Winston-Salem State Makes History, Captures First CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship

BALTIMORE, Md. — History doesn’t always arrive quietly. Sometimes it comes with defensive stops, clutch three-pointers, and a celebration decades in the making.

Inside CFG Bank Arena on Saturday afternoon, Winston-Salem State delivered its defining moment, defeating Fayetteville State 60–43 to capture the first CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship in program history. For a Rams team that spent the season proving it belonged among the elite, the title was less a surprise and more the inevitable conclusion to a dominant 26–3 campaign.

From the opening tip, Winston-Salem State played like a team determined to leave no doubt.

The Rams established control early behind defensive intensity and disciplined execution, building a first-half cushion they never relinquished. Every Fayetteville State push was met with poise, every run answered with composure — the mark of a championship team fully in command of the moment.

At the center of it all was junior guard Nevaeh Farmer, the Food Lion Player of the Game, who delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight. Farmer poured in 24 points, knocked down five three-pointers, and added five steals, impacting the game on both ends while setting the tone for Winston-Salem State’s relentless pace.

Tournament MVP Makayla Waleed added 14 points, repeatedly delivering timely baskets whenever momentum threatened to shift. Forward Maia Charles embodied the Rams’ defensive identity, contributing 10 points, seven rebounds, and six steals in a gritty all-around effort that frustrated Fayetteville State throughout the afternoon.

The Broncos (21–5) refused to fold. Junior guard Talia Trotter led the resistance with 14 points and nine rebounds, while freshman standout Samiyah Barker added 12 points, including a momentum-sparking three early in the fourth quarter that briefly energized Fayetteville State’s comeback hopes.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, Barker’s left-wing three trimmed the deficit to 47–35, igniting the Broncos’ bench and giving life to the arena. But championship teams respond — and Winston-Salem State did exactly that.

Waleed answered with a tough pull-up jumper through traffic, and moments later, Alana Biosse converted a transition basket to extend the lead back to double digits, silencing Fayetteville State’s momentum before it could fully develop.

Despite defensive stops and multiple opportunities, the Broncos struggled to convert offensively, missing key layups and battling against constant pressure in the paint. A fastbreak layup by Amina Miles cut the margin to 55–40 with just over four minutes remaining, but the Rams delivered the final blow when Waleed attacked downhill for a layup that stretched the lead to 59–42 — effectively sealing the championship.

As the final horn echoed through CFG Bank Arena, Winston-Salem State players stormed midcourt, embracing a moment generations of Rams had chased but never reached.

History had finally arrived.

For Winston-Salem State, the victory wasn’t just a win — it was a statement, a breakthrough, and the crowning achievement of a season defined by resilience, defense, and belief.

The Rams are CIAA champions for the first time ever.

2026 CIAA Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
Tyra Floyd – Claflin
Nevaeh Colon – Fayetteville State
Makayla Waleed – Winston-Salem State
Mayah Garner – Bowie State
Jasmine Jenkins – Bluefield State
Bruni Martinez – Virginia Union
Jakaiya Mack – Winston-Salem State
Ashari Lewis – Claflin
Talia Trotter – Fayetteville State
Nevaeh Farmer – Winston-Salem State

Tournament MVP: Nevaeh Farmer – Winston-Salem State
Team Sportsmanship Award: Virginia State